Whether you’re strolling the streets of Paris, shopping in Capris or lounging on the beaches of the Greek isles, slay your way through your European vacay with these savvy travel items.
Planning (or daydreaming about) a hot girl summer in Europe this year? A well- curated beauty kit can make all the difference in enjoying your holiday to the fullest – and ensure you look and feel fabulous from sunrise to sunset.
It can often be a struggle to decide what makeup to bring when you’re holidaying. There is always that impending sense of “what if…” You usually find yourself packing three fake tans, eight lipsticks and 13 eyeshadows, including that metallic jade one you have never worn but might try out, maybe.
Getting too creative can add those much-needed kilos to your luggage. It’s time to minimise and be practical with your travel makeup. Start with the basics and build your essential beauty bag from there.
Essentials
Dream big – Pack small
When it comes to packing your beauty kit for a trip away, it’s the small things that count. And by that we mean travel size. Avoid any suitcase dramas of smashed fragrance bottles and skincare jars and opt for travel-sized, travel-friendly packaging instead. Pro tip: protect compacts from breakage and spillage by stuffing a cotton ball between the mirror and powder. Max out on minis with dedicated skincare travel packs and mini-sized makeup essentials.
Fragrances
Be a multi-tasker
We love a handy double-duty products, especially when beauty luggage space is at a premium. A versatile, multi-use stick for lips, cheeks and eyes is a travel-friendly option that saves spaces allows for easy touch-ups. Also look for tinted serums and multi-purpose face and body balms to help lighten your load. Swap your full-coverage foundation for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream with SPF. These lighter alternatives will help even out your skin tone while treating your skin to an extra dose of hydration.
Ditch single eye colours and limit yourself to one compact palette which can be used to create a number of looks (the eyeshadows can even work as brow enhancers). A simple palette with at least three colours will allow you to mix shades. This will let you have the option to pull off a natural or glam look anytime and anywhere around the globe. Let your location inspire you!
What to take on the plane
How do you keep your skin glowing despite the arid environment of an airplane? An emergency kit is a must to protect your skin against the in-flight elements. Pack a refreshing face mist, makeup wipes, cleanser, moisturiser and lip balm. Bring on a travel pot of concealer to mask tired eyes or dull skin for when you descend.
Look for a cosmetics case roomy enough to fit all your staple essentials. One with a structured shape (so that it’s easy enough to smoosh into your suitcase or carry-on) and a protective casing inside will prevent liquids from leaking.
Sun protection
The MVP of your beauty kit
It goes without saying that it’s essential to double down on sunscreen as you’re heading to warmer locales this winter. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula that offers both UVA and UVB protection to guard your skin against sunburn and premature ageing. Reapply every two hours for optimal protection.
Lips are often overlooked in sun care routines. A hydrating lip balm with SPF will protect your lips from harmful rays and keep them soft and supple as you sip on your Aperol Spritz.
If you want to get your glow on, always go faux. Bronzing serums, tanning drops and instant self-tan mousses will give you radiant, glowing skin without sacrificing the health of your skin.
Glow-up
Hair travel buddie
Don’t forget crowning glory! Protect your hair from drying effects of the sun, saltwater and chlorine with nourishing hair care products – bonus points if they’re travel-sized. We’re also loving the mini hair tools available. Now you can bring your beloved hairstyle with you without feeling guilty for taking up precious room in your suitcase.
Plus, for those days when you want to soak up every minute of adventure, dry shampoo will be your best friend. This is a holiday, after all!
